Being Liked

So in the second section there is a chapter that talks about being liked and/or loved in the workplace and while you are in a leadership role. I have been known to say things like "I don't care what they think about me!" Actually I said it most recently while in OSIL with MB. It referred to me wearing some clothing combination that most people would not be caught dead wearing. I meant it in a way to say, it doesn't matter to me what Sally Shortbread or Johnny Appleseed thinks about my fashion style. But After reading this section I realized that I should probably stop saying things like that. Although it really does not matter to me what some random Joe Schmo thinks and if he likes me or not it does matter if those that I lead like me or not. The book put it perfectly saying "He was a real jerk, but I sure was inspired to do my best for him." I care if the people that I lead do not like me, because that presents an issue that needs to be taken care of. I know that everyone will not like me and that is something that I realized years ago when I was really starting my journey as a leader. If you are a leader of people, eventually you will have to make a tough decision that not everyone is going to like. I have accepted that fact and I live with it everyday. I know that I have made decisions in the past that some people do not like but that is usually something that we can all get past and move on with our lives. Generally the people that I lead understand that I have to make the tough decisions and although it stinks, it must be done and they respect me and my decisions in the future for having to do those things. Ultimately I want and need the people that I lead to like me or else they will not stand behind me in my decisions and they will not want to follow the rules that I put in place and the things that I believe in. Ultimately I want to be reelected for my Sergeant At Arms position in the next election so I can continue to provide the same quality of leadership and continue to shape the IFC in a good progressive direction. And the only way that I will be reelected is if they people like me and want me to be there.